Industry News

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is planning to construct a new breast cancer research institute funded by a $7-million grant from the National Institutes of Health. Designed to allow investigators to better collaborate on research findings, the facility will feature state-of-the-art laboratories and additional research space. The University of Wisconsin was awarded a similar grant last year for the creation of a research institute on prostate cancer.

Electron microscope maker FEI Corp. has opened its enhanced Eindhoven , Netherlands, campus, featuring the “NanoPort," a state-of-the-art product and applications center. Providing space for collaborative R&D projects, such as the European Union’s Interaction Proteome Project, the NanoPort accommodates scientists working in the disciplines of biotechnology, materials science, structural biology, proteomics, pathology, and semiconductors and data storage. The facility houses a range of transmission and scanning electron microscopes, as well as ion beam and dual-beam systems.

MedImmune’s new 220,000-sf administrative headquarters and R&D complex in Gaithersburg, Md., was awarded “Best Biotech Office” and “Best Interiors-Commercial Space” by the Maryland/DC chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties in June 2004. The facility, designed by HOK Architects of St. Louis and developed by Quadrangle Development of D.C., was occupied by MedImmune in March 2004. The headquarters features a common area designed to foster interaction and collaboration.

Porter Adventist Hospital in Denver is initiating an $80-million redevelopment project comprised of 100,000 sf of renovated space and 100,000 sf of new construction. The first phase of the development, a new emergency department housing state-of-the-art surgery suites, opened June 29, 2004 . The project also includes a two-story entryway and 36 new intensive care beds combining cardiac and surgical units. Completion is expected by year-end 2006.

St. Louis-based Spartech Corp. opened its new 30,000-sf product development center in Warsaw , Ind., in June 2004. The $8-million facility will accommodate the development of alloy plastics, thermoplastics, and advanced polymer products.